Introduction to Research – PSYC 255
CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 12/12/2022
Course Description
An introduction to psychological research techniques and methodology designed to improve students’ understanding of the basic issues in the scientific methods of the social sciences. The goals of the course are: to improve students’ understanding of the concepts related to research methodology; to improve the students’ ability to communicate ideas about science, including a significant amount of writing; and survey of both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Rationale
Research is integral to the science of psychology. This course is an introduction to the basic concepts and tools needed to evaluate and conduct research. By understanding the research process, as well as concepts such as validity and reliability, the student will become a better critical consumer and producer of research.
Course Assignment
Read and Watch items
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Discussions (4)
Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each thread. Each thread must be at least 250 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student will reply to at least 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 100 words. Each thread must be supported by at least 1 appropriate citation in current APA format. Acceptable sources include the course textbooks, the Bible, and scholarly articles. (CLO: A, C, D, E).
This quiz will assess your understanding of basic concepts related to research, theories, and worldview. You will answer 10 questions (true and false or multiple choice). You may consult the Research Overview Presentation at any time during the quiz. (CLO: C, D).
APA Assignment
The student will use the APA Publication Manual as a guide in answering specific APA-related questions. The APA Assignment must include a title page, 2–3 pages of content, and a reference page in current APA format. The paper must include both of the course textbooks (Introduction to Research, and the current APA Publication Manual) in addition to at least 2 scholarly references. (CLO: E).
The student will write a paper that explains how to conduct a case study. The paper must include a title page, 2–4 pages of content, and a reference page. The paper must be in current APA format. The student will be provided with a set of 4 questions to answer in order to complete the assignment. The paper must include at least 2 scholarly references in addition to both of the course textbooks. (CLO: A, B, C, E).
The student will write a research-based paper that includes a personal reflection of what he or she has learned in the course as well as a critique of the course content from a biblical perspective. The paper must include a title page, 4–8 pages of content, and a reference page. The paper must include at least 2 scholarly references in addition to both of the course textbooks. The paper must be in current APA format. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E).
Quizzes (8)
There will be 7 open-book/open-notes quizzes in the course. Quizzes will cover content covered in the Learn folders, 3 will have 30 multiple-choice questions, 4 will have 25 multiple-choice questions, and all will have a time limit of 1 hour. There will be 1 quiz with 3 essay questions, with a time limit of 1 hour. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F).
